The real RePet

After years of trying to crack the canine code, Mill Valley-based BioArts International will begin cloning dogs using the same patented processes that brought us that infamous sheep Dolly. The company’s project, cheekily dubbed “Best Friends Again,” will also clone cats and endangered species.

BioArts International

BioArts CEO Lou Hawthorne with dogs cloned from his family pet.

According to a

recent AP story, BioArts is inviting early adopters with deep pockets and a beloved pooch to participate in a series of online actions scheduled to begin on June 18. The five highest bidders will win an opportunity to clone their dog. Opening bids start at a hefty $100,000.

BioArts CEO Lou Hawthorne formerly ran Genetic Savings & Clone, which offered cat cloning services for upwards of $50,000 but closed its doors in 2006 for lack of customers. The company also stored dogs’ DNA for possible future clones, but was never able to perfect the necessary technology.

To conduct the canine clonings, BioArts has partnered with a South Korean research team that includes the scandalized scientist Hwang Woo-suk who was found to have faked his human genetic research in 2005. Recently the team created three clones of Hawthorne’s family dog, Missy, who died in 2002. The University of California, Davis’ Veterinary Genetics Laboratory verified that the DNA samples taken from Missy and the three cloned dogs appeared to belong to the same individual.

In a

2006 NPR interview, Wayne Pacelle, head of the Humane Society of the United States criticized the idea of pet cloning, saying:

“Why do you need this? You’ve got millions of healthy and adoptable [cats and dogs] that people who want a loving companion can adopt for just a few dollars at their local shelter.”

My dog, Lorna Doone, is by far the coolest pet I have ever had, but I don’t think I would go to the trouble and expense ($50-$100,000???) of having her cloned. What do you think about pet cloning? Would you clone your pet? Share your thoughts.